Former striker Alan Smith believes Jamie Vardy should have signed for Arsenal from Leicester City despite reservations over his contrasting style of play, Sky Sports reports.

The Gunners were intent on signing the England international forward this summer and for some time a switch to North London seemed likely after the club triggered a release clause in his previous contract.

However, in a surprise twist Vardy has opted to sign a new four-year deal at Leicester with talk of the player fearing he simply wouldn’t fit in with Arsenal’s passing style of play.

Slovakia's Kucka and England's Vardy

Smith, a striker who joined Arsenal from Leicester in 1987, laments Vardy’s decision as he believes moving to the Emirates would have made the Foxes top scorer a better player.

“The longer it went one the more obvious it became that he wasn't going to sign for Arsenal, but he clearly feels he's got everything he needs at Leicester," Smith told Sky Sports News HQ.

"I think you should push yourself though and if he'd gone to Arsenal he would have been training - with no disrespect to Leicester - with better players, higher quality players and that improves you as a footballer.”

Leicester City's Jamie Vardy wins the Barclays Player Of The Season Award

Vardy’s stunning form for Leicester last season has seen him earn international recognition as well as a place at the European Championships, though perhaps his time with England has helped sway his decision.

Despite getting on the scoresheet against Wales, the 29-year-old has thus far been on the peripherals of England’s attacking play largely due to the possession game restricting his ability to find space.

Vardy was lethal playing on the counterattack for a direct Leicester side last season, though for England it seems he doesn’t quite get as much joy and for Arsenal it could have been a similar story.

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.